Reflections on American Nutrition and Diet Plans

The United States is well known for having one of the lowest percentages of incomes going to food.  That is the case, if one eats a diet of inexpensive, heavily processed food.   If one eats a diet that avoids processed food, eats natural and organic products and if one has food sensitivities, the US diet is anything but inexpensive.

I have done a lot of research on nutrition.  I also have been tested for food sensitivities.  While I do not have many food sensitivities, I have some that have far-reaching implications.  As a result, I seek alternative products, and my food bills have skyrocketed.   My granddaughter, who often has several meals a week, with me has numerous food sensitivities that were making her sick.   Therefore I have to keep her sensitivities in mind when I shop.   That further escalates the cost.

The bottom line  has far reaching implications.   American food is cheap if one eats a basic diet heavy on processed and fast food.   When we avoid processed and fast food, the American diet is as pricey as if we lived in Scandinavia.

I frequently travel to Europe and have the opportunity to enjoy healthy breakfast buffets in a variety of countries.   These are expensive items.   Similarly, to buy those items here is also costly.

To be gluten free, for example, is a costly choice.    Although I do not have high sensitivity to gluten, I have chosen to avoid gluten laden items because I am supposed to avoid starches, flours, yeast,  sugars, etc. 

When Americans review their budgets, food often is a last choice, rather than a first choice.   Our electronic toys are very expensive.   Yet we prioritize them over the needs of our bodies for a healthy diet.    As a country we eat greasy fast food or empty calorie-laden foods that are sweet and tasty rather than choices packed with good nutrition.  But, at which price, in the long run?    The price of health...